All Out in the Open
All Out in the Open, Questions from the Closet
All Out in the Open is a resource for LGBTQ Latter-day Saints and those who love them. Our goal is to help listeners connect with themselves, with their families, with their community, and with God. Hosts Charlie Bird and Ben Schilaty help listeners open up to themselves and those around them. Clare Dalton digs into the scriptures and teaches how they can be a catalyst for personal revelation. Iese Wilson takes listeners on a tour of LGBTQ Latter-day Saints all over the Church and introduces us to modern day pioneers. Michael Soto and Liz Macdonald highlight the amazing work of those who are building and strengthening their communities. Learn more at www.alloutintheopen.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 14, 2025 • 52min
Finding Self Acceptance as a Gay Saint in Jamaica (with Marcel Robinson)
This week’s OUT and About episode features Marcel Robinson, a gay Latter-day Saint from Jamaica. He opens up about losing his father, coming to terms with his sexuality, facing health challenges, serving a mission, and now attending Brigham Young University–Idaho. Marcel’s story is one of faith, hope and perseverance.
Oct 7, 2025 • 42min
Bringing Ministry to the Margins (With Bishop Karen Oliveto)
This week in our ALL Together episode, Bishop Karen Oliveto shares her experiences as the first openly lesbian bishop in The United Methodist Church and what it means to bring ministry to the margins.Drawing on insights from her book “Together at the Table,” Bishop Oliveto discusses the power of gathering to find common ground. Her story reminds us that inclusion and understanding are everyday expressions of faith.
Sep 30, 2025 • 40min
Behind the Scenes With Sound Guy Mike
This week’s OPEN Up episode features one of our very own editors, Mike Poret—better known as “Sound Guy Mike.”Mike first discovered Questions from the Closet while he was in the process of coming out. Reaching out to Charlie and Ben, he offered his technical skills, which have supported our guests and listeners for the past five years.In this episode, Mike shares what happens behind the scenes, his favorite episodes, and how the podcast has impacted his own journey.
Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 17min
Setting Boundaries Without Burning Bridges (with Michael Soto)
This week in our IN the Scriptures episode, Michael Soto joins Clare Dalton to discuss Doctrine & Covenants 109-123. Together they explore the importance of names, boundaries, and chosen families.
Sep 16, 2025 • 55min
Bravery in the Midst of Cultural Barriers (with VJ)
This week in our OUT and About episode, VJ Aguilar shares his journey growing up in Mexico, immigrating to the U.S., and coming out as bisexual amid cultural pressures and familial expectations. From hiding his identity to proudly leading a Pride parade, VJ’s story inspires us to be brave.
Sep 9, 2025 • 60min
Working With Opponents to Protect & Advance Rights (with Sara Burlingame)
This week in our ALL Together episode, Liz Macdonald and Michael Soto sit down with Sara Burlingame, former Wyoming state legislator and current Executive Director of Wyoming Equality.Sara shares what it’s like to live and work as an LGBTQ+ advocate in Wyoming, drawing from her experiences in both nonprofit and government spaces. She reflects on the importance of protecting rights, reaching across the aisle, and meeting people where they are to build meaningful bridges.With a background in faith organizing and a deep commitment to justice, Sara offers insight into how partnerships with faith communities and neighbors of all perspectives can create lasting change.
Sep 2, 2025 • 2min
Join Us For a Gathering
We’re hosting a morning gathering for LGBTQ+ Latter-day Saints and those who love them! Think light breakfast, good conversation, a few connection activities, and a short devotional.📅 Saturday, September 13🕙 10:00am – 12:00pm📍 Private residence in Provo, UT (address shared after RSVP)RSVP using the link in our Instagram bio!Would love to see you there.
Aug 26, 2025 • 44min
Church Resources You May Not Know About (with Barry Donakey)
This week’s OPEN Up episode features Barry Donakey, who helped launch LGBTQ+ workshops at Utah Valley Institute and is involved with the Gather Conference.Barry joins Ben and Charlie to explore Church resources that support individuals, families, and leaders in ministering to LGBTQ+ members.You can find the church counseling resources here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/counseling-resources/same-sex-attraction?lang=engand the life help resources here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/gay?lang=eng
Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 10min
When God’s Promises Seem Unmet (with Hannah Bryan)
This week in our IN the Scriptures episode Clare Dalton and Hannah Bryan discuss Doctrine and Covenants 94-108. These sections outline the intense persecution of the early Church members living in Missouri. As a transgender woman, Hannah has faced violence in her own life that mirrors that experiences of the early Saints.Clare and Hannah dive into the formation of the United Firm and Zion’s Camp. These groups faced challenges and didn’t achieve every purpose they set out to do—reminders that not all of God’s promises are fulfilled right away or how we expect.
Aug 12, 2025 • 48min
Why a Queer Asian Nonmember Showed Up At an LDS Institute (with Atlas Nocturne)
This OUT and About episode features Atlas Nocturne (he/they). While at Arizona State University, Atlas began attending the Church’s Institute of Religion—even though they’re not a member.They share what it was like to navigate faith spaces as a trans, non-binary person and how Church members made them feel welcome. Atlas’ story is a reminder that understanding and connection can bloom, even when we start from very different places.
